European Championship Qualifying Round-Up

It’s been a busy six days and with the first nations having just sealed their qualification for the finals in England, Ben Gilby rounds up all of the action.

Netherlands clinched their spot in the European Championships after a comprehensive 7-0 win over Estonia in Groningen on 23rd October. Two goals each from Danielle van der Donk and Jackie Groenen set the Dutch on the way with Sheride Spitse adding a penalty along with further strikes from Aniek Nouwen and Katja Snoeijs. Estonia are still looking for their first win in the qualifying stage. Russia won an important match with Slovenia as the two sides battling it off for second spot met head on in Moscow. Nelli Korovkina grabbed the only goal with fifteen minutes left. Kosovo’s remote hopes of a play-off spot seem to have ended after they could only draw 0-0 with winless Turkey. Four days later and Russia confirmed they will finish as runners-up with two games to go after defeating Turkey 4-2 in Moscow. Two goals from Margarita Chernomyrdina plus further strikes from Nelli Korovkina and Natalya Mashina were the difference. Late efforts from Derya Arhan and Didem Karagenc gave the result a better appearance from a Turkish perspective. Netherlands continued their imperious qualification form with a comfortable 6-0 win in Kosovo. A Katja Snoeijs hat-trick and one apiece from Danielle van der Donk, Lieke Martens and Vivienne Miedema took the Dutch goal tally to forty-two in their nine qualifiers so far. The match between Estonia and Slovenia was postponed with no confirmation as yet when it will be staged.

Group B took a decisive turn over the past five days. The action began with Denmark extending their goal difference over Italy to twenty-three after a 4-0 thrashing of Israel in Viborg on 21st October. Two outstanding strikes from Pernille Harder, plus an own goal from Irena Kuznetsov and an effort from Sofie Junge Pedersen earned another win. The first of two big showdowns between Denmark and Italy took place in Empoli on 27th October and the Danes 3-1 win was enough to ensure that they will top the group. They were dominant from the early stages and were 2-0 up within 17 minutes thanks to Everton’s Nicoline Sorensen and PSG’s Nadia Nadim. A second goal from Nadim just after half-time completed Denmark’s excellent victory. Valentina Giacinti’s consolation was not enough for Italy. The two sides will meet again in Viborg in the final round of qualification matches in December. Elsewhere in the group, Israel completed the double over Georgia with a 2-1 win in Tbilisi. Koral Hazan and Rahel Shtainshnaider were on the scoresheet. Teona Bakradze got a goal back for the hosts with twenty minutes to go.

Above: Denmark celebrate their qualification last night. Photo: @PernilleMHarder

On 22nd October, Wales kept alive their hopes of automatic qualification from Group C with a 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in Newport. A brace from Natasha Harding, plus goals from Helen Ward and Lily Woodham sealed the win. On the same night, leaders Norway’s home game with Belarus was called off and has been tentatively re-arranged for February. Five days later, the group was decided when Norway left Cardiff with a 1-0 win over Wales which confirmed their qualification for the finals with two games to spare thanks to Frida Maanum’s goal just after the hour mark. The defeat was the first of two blows to hit the Welsh qualification hopes. The second was Northern Ireland’s sensational 1-0 win in Belarus despite playing for over an hour with only ten players after keeper Jacqueline Burns was sent off for fouling Anastaysia Shcherbachenia. Kenny Shiels’ charges rallied heroically and gained the win after Rachel Furness headed home Demi Vance’s corner just before half-time. Northern Ireland now know that if they can take maximum points from their final two matches – both at home and both potentially winnable – against Belarus and Faroe Islands they have an opportunity to claim the play-off spot ahead of Wales.

Above: Rachel Furness celebrates her goal and a outstanding win for Northern Ireland in Belarus. Photo: @OfficialIrishFA

Spain gained an important 4-0 victory over fellow qualification contenders Czech Republic on 23rd October. Esther Gonzalez, Patricia Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas were on the mark in Seville. Poland moved into second spot after a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in Warsaw. Malgorzata Mesjasz and two goals from Weronika Zawistowska ensured the Poles got back in the saddle after a defeat to the Czechs last time out. With the Spanish not in action on 27th October, Poland took advantage to go back to the top of the group following a 3-0 in Moldova thanks to goals from Paulina Dudek, Adriana Achcinska (penalty) and Dominika Kopinska. Czech Republic cemented third spot with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Azerbaijan. Clara Cahynova, Tereza Krejcirikova and Tereza Szewieczkova were on the mark. The Poles are now a point ahead of Spain, but have played two games more.

Scotland moved to within a point of leaders Finland in Group E with a game in hand after a 3-0 win over Albania in Edinburgh on 23rd October. Whilst Shelley Kerr’s side dominated the game, they had to wait until the final fourteen minutes to add to Rachel Corsie’s goal. It was Caroline Weir’s two late strikes (one from the spot) that cemented the result. Portugal got themselves back into the qualification hunt with a 3-0 win in Cyprus. Claudia Neto, Diana Silva and Ana Capeta scored the goals. Four days later, Scotland’s hopes took a slight dent following a 1-0 defeat in Helsinki to Finland who are now three points clear at the top of the table. It was a frustrating night for the Scots who created the best chances throughout. Martha Thomas fired over when clean through and Erin Cuthbert drove a fierce effort narrowly wide in the opening period. Second half chances fell to Leanne Crichton who hit a glorious volley just wide and to Jane Ross who saw a header come back off the bar. The Finns punished their visitors for those misses when, from a corner, Lizzie Arnot headed an effort off the line, but only as far as Eveliina Summanen who smashed it home. The Scots now fall to third in the group with four games to play following Portugal’s 1-0 win over Cyprus thanks to an own goal from Chara Charakambous.

In Group F, Sweden and Iceland remain comprehensively clear of the rest. The Swedes demolished Latvia 7-0 in Gothenburg on 22nd October. Two goals from Pauline Hammarlund plus single strikes from Lina Hurtig, Anna Anvegard, Olivia Schough, Magda Eriksson and Filippa Curmark sealed the deal. A day later, Slovakia moved into third place with a 2-1 win in Hungary. Patricia Hmirova and Maria Mikolajova put the Slovaks ahead before a late strike from Sara Pusztai provided the Hungarians with some pride. The top two faced off in Gothenburg on 27th October, and Sweden’s 2-0 win over Iceland confirmed they will win the group. Eva Jakobsson and Olivia Schough were on target. Elsewhere, Slovakia gained their second win over the past week by dispatching Latvia 2-0 thanks to two penalties in twenty-six first half minutes from Patricia Hmirova.

Above: Sweden celebrate earning their place in the Euro Finals in England. Photo: Mia Eriksson.

Group G has taken a fascinating turn over the past five days. France began with a comprehensive 11-0 win at home to North Macedonia in Orleans on 23rd October to set the home side up for their vital clash with Austria. Four goals from Eugenie Le Sommer, two from Grace Geyoro, plus strikes from Valerie Gauvin, Elisa de Almeida, Kadidiatou Diani, Viviane Asseyi and Delphine Cascarino summed up France’s total dominance. Their top of the table clash in Austria on 27th October ended goalless. The two countries are separated by just goal difference at the top. It makes the decisive return clash next month mouth-watering.

Lithuania remain winless in Group H after two further losses over the past few days. On 23rd October, Romania came away from Suduva Stadium with a 4-0 win following two goals by Stefania Vatufu and one each from Laura Rus and Ana Maria Vladulescu. 27th October saw the top two sides, Switzerland and Belgium earn routine wins respectively. The Swiss emerged 2-0 winners in Romania with Coumba Sow and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic on target. The Belgians demolished Lithuania in Sudova to the tune of 9-0. Hat-tricks by Tessa Wullaert and Tine De Caigny and one from Marie Minnaert plus own goals from Milde Luizinaite and Gabija Gedgaudaite completed the rout. Belgium host Switzerland in the final round of qualification matches in December in a huge game which will decide who wins the group. The Swiss, top by a single point need just a draw to guarantee winning the group.

Finally to Group I where Ukraine won their third qualifier in a row which gives them a realistic chance of claiming the runners-up spot in the group. Their 1-0 win over a Republic of Ireland side who appeared to be virtually guaranteed of second place at one point was a superb achievement. An own goal from Aine Marie O’Gorman was the difference. Greece picked up only their second win of the qualification period after a 1-0 success over Montenegro in Athens. Eleni Markou’s goal earned the win. Ukraine increased the pressure on the Irish on 27th October with a 4-0 win in Greece thanks to two goals from Darya Kravets with Natia Pantsulaia and Nadiia Kunina adding one each. This means Ireland know they need to beat heavyweights Germany in their final game in order to prevent Ukraine, who will expect to comfortably defeat winless Montenegro on the same night, from taking the runners-up spot.

With the qualification tournament now reaching its climax, it is worth looking closely at the race for runners-up places in each of the groups. The second placed countries with the three best records will qualify directly for the final tournament in England. At the moment, those places would go to Belgium, Austria and Italy. This would send Spain, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Wales and Portugal into the play-offs to see who would earn the remaining three places in the finals.

U’s Turn On The Style

Sutton United 8-0 Victoire

By Ben Gilby

Sutton United gained their first victory of the London & South-East Women’s Football League Division One North season in some style after producing a dominant performance against Victoire in front of an impressive crowd at Gander Green Lane.

Victoire went into the game in second place with four points from a maximum nine. This was only Sutton United’s second match in the league having drawn their opener 2-2 away to Phoenix Sports and then playing three cup ties in succession.

Inside the first thirty seconds, Sutton showed just how dangerous they could be. Darcy Wells played a probing ball through to Fern Colepio to run onto and to fashion the first shot from the right hand side of the box which lacked the power to force Deborah Tasker into a save.

With just two minutes played, Evie Nebbitt glided up the left wing to play in Mika Keen but the danger was snuffed out.

The quality of Nebbitt and Olivia Watson was causing Victoire headaches from the early exchanges.

The U’s best chance of the early stages fell in the eighth minute with Olivia Watson again involved. Her superb run down the right eventually led to two successive corners. From the second, Watson’s shot forced the first save of the afternoon from Tasker in the Victoire goal.

Above: Mika Keen gets in a shot for Sutton United against Victoire. Photo: Ben Gilby

Sutton were now piling on the pressure, and Darcy Wells’ influence on the game grew. The vice-captain and forward picked up possession on the right and rounded Michaela Gooden before hitting an effort wide. Wells had another opportunity in the thirteenth minute after she turned a defender with ease in the box with the following shot trickling past the left hand post.

Victoire took advantage of Sutton’s inability to turn their pressure into goals with Michaela Gooden well involved for the Croydon based side, but they could not generate sufficient quality to trouble a well marshalled U’s defence.

Finally, Sutton United’s quality shone through on 27 minutes and it was a move which encapsulated the quality of the side. Evie Nebbitt danced through the centre and played an inch perfect ball to Sophie Barnes who drew Tasker and slotted the ball beautifully into the net.

With thirty-two minutes played, Barnes again troubled Victoire along the left hand side before cutting in and firing in a shot. Two minutes later she broke clear again and fired in a shot that Tasker pushed out for a corner. Jennifer Neves sent the resulting flag kick in and this time there was no stopping Barnes who smashed the ball home for her second of the afternoon.

Eight minutes before the break, Wells hit a vicious dipping effort from outside the area which Tasker did well to push away for a corner.

Sutton were now rampant and came close to a third goal before the interval. Mika Keen combined with Tamara Graham to find Olivia Watson with a great cross-field pass. Watson’s ball in was met by Darcy Wells who was only denied by a magnificent acrobatic save by Tasker as the first half ended 2-0 in the home side’s favour.

The second period opened with Victoire on the offensive with Shannon Cambridge forcing the first save by Zoe McNulty in the Sutton goal. Olivia Watson showed great strength immediately afterwards at the other end in holding off a defender, turning and hitting a shot which Deborah Tasker held.

Three minutes into the half, Watson was in the thick of the action once more when she found Fern Colepio whose effort came crashing back off of the bar with Tasker beaten.

The third goal had to come and it did on 52 minutes when some great play from Fern Colepio found Darcy Wells who sent a shot coming back off the bar which rebounded to Sophie Barnes who lofted it over Tasker to complete her hat-trick.

With a comfortable lead on the scoreboard, confidence was coursing through the veins of the side in amber and chocolate and they began passing the ball round with great skill. On the hour mark, Mika Keen cut in from the left and hit a powerful effort which Tasker saved well with her feet.

Just three minutes later it was 4-0 when Olivia Watson’s strength in possession saw her run into the box and find substitute Keisha Small who fired home.

Victoire had a great effort shortly after when sub keeper Paige Hursey was forced to push a shot round the post. A header through from Ifeoma Chilizie towards Siane Francis Duncan was intercepted brilliantly by Evie Nebbitt

Sutton ruthlessly punished Victoire for not taking those two half chances with Darcy Wells running through to slot home a well-deserved goal with just under twenty minutes left.

Just three minutes later and Sutton emphasised their dominance with a team goal of the highest quality. Tamara Graham combined well with Olivia Watson who played a glorious ball to Keisha Small who gleefully smashed home her second.  

On eighty-three minutes the home side fashioned another superb goal. Darcy Wells played in Sophie Barnes beautifully and her powerful effort arrowed into the right of the net for her fourth of the afternoon.

Immediately from the kick off, Victoire created a chance when the impressive Michaela Gooden closed in on goal, but hit her effort straight at substitute keeper Paige Hersey.

Sutton responded yet again and Keisha Small had a real chance to complete a twenty minute hat-trick, but her effort went over the bar. Mika Keen also hit a shot from an acute angle which needed pushing away by Tasker.

Above: Gabby Howell shows good touch for Sutton United this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby.

In the final minute, Keisha Small did complete her hat-trick which rounded off another excellent move. Gabby Howell fed Jennifer Neves on the right flank. Her ball in eventually found her way to the U’s midfielder to grab the final eighth.

In the end it was Sutton’s greater pace, organisation and ball playing skill that was the difference between the two sides. Victoire must take great credit for never letting their heads drop and pushing for the whole ninety minutes. The U’s are well capable of pushing strongly for another promotion this season and on this evidence it will take a very good side to stop them.

Teams: SUTTON UNITED: McNulty, Colliver, Howell, Hendra, Graham, Wells, Watson, Nebbitt, Keen, Colepio, Barnes. Substitutes: Hersey (GK) Small, King, Savage, Neves.

Scorers: Barnes 27, 34, 52, 83. Wells 71. Small 63, 74, 89.

VICTOIRE: Tasker, Leacock, Reid, Nicholson, Duncan, D’Aranjo, Christopher, Cambridge, Gooden, Gayle, Vines. Substitutes: Chilizie, Osmond, Frost, Thomas.

Attendance: 150.

Waltzing With The Matildas: Part Two

Impetus editor Ben Gilby concludes his in depth chat with the Matildas Active Support group about their incredible support of Australia’s national women’s team as well as looking more widely at women’s game Down Under. In this second part, we find out about the M.A.S’ links with the domestic W-League clubs, how they view the league for the new season and how they are trying to maintain social links with members during the pandemic.

Whilst the M.A.S. were formed to support the national women’s side, I asked them what their links are to the W-League clubs: “Some of the members of M.A.S. are also involved in active supporter groups for the W-League clubs in their home cities and as a result have formed some relationships/links with some of the players/coaching staff and sometimes these links have been maintained even after that player has left the club. The types of connection vary from group to group depending on how long the group has existed but at a minimum the players and coaching staff are aware of the groups existence and often engage with them over social media as well as after matches. All members of MAS are committed to supporting the W-League as a whole and are deeply invested in it and at various times, when the fixtures allow it, will attend matches not involving their team as a way of showing support for the players. Some of the more established supporter groups have had players attend supporter organised functions (e.g. season launches) as well.”

Above: Members of the Matildas Active Support Group get behind the Australian side in a game played at Parramatta last year. Photo courtesy: Matildas Active Support.

The number of Matildas stars playing in Europe – especially England – has this year moved from being a trickle to almost a deluge, leaving the domestic W-League without the majority of the national side. I asked the group their opinion on this: “As much as we love seeing our Tillies playing here at home, the benefits for our girls playing overseas are limitless. Playing against the world’s best teams and players is only going to help improve their skills and game play, which in turn is going to help the Matildas grow and fulfill their potential. It’s really promising to see our girls going to big clubs and getting game time as well.”

Indeed, the group see only positives ahead for the W-League when it starts again at the end of December, despite virtually all of the Matildas now playing overseas: “It’s a really exciting season ahead for the W-League – we’re super positive about the opportunity this provides for Football Federation Australia (FFA) to rethink how we organise our domestic league. We love our W-League but there is plenty of room to grow/improve. W-League fans have been frustrated by the current state of the league – we don’t have a full home and away season yet, teams play at many different grounds and broadcasting can be hit and miss both of which make it hard to bring fans together and grow active support. The combination of the Matildas regulars playing overseas and not in “the Dub” (W-League) and the looming 2023 home World Cup presents an amazing opportunity to rethink our league – the FFA has been working on plans for this so we are excited to see where it goes in future.”

The M.A.S. also believe it could be hugely beneficial to the next generation of Matildas players: “With all the Matildas heading overseas there is also a big opportunity for clubs to bring through young National Premier League (NPL) players and really give the next generation of talent a chance. (The NPL is a state based competition – we don’t have promotion/relegation as yet in Australia).  COVID-19 has also had some impact – the season will start much later than it normally would and, in the state of Victoria no NPL was played, so it will be interesting to see what the Melbourne teams in particular do with players lacking match fitness and game time to develop. With the FAWSL poaching all the top players Melbourne City might be not be so dominant anymore!”

With the social side of the M.A.S. being such a major part of what they do, I wondered what the group have been up to since the Coronavirus outbreak? “Lots and lots of video chats. It would be hard to catch up regardless of the pandemic as we are all spread out across the country so video chats are the norm for us really. We had a really fun interaction when one of national TV broadcasters showed ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ – M.A.S. promoted a “watch along” event with the fan community using Twitter to discuss the movie using #MASBendsIt. The film’s Director, Gurinder Chadha, even ended up joining the fun and is keen to do something similar with us in future! (https://twitter.com/GurinderC/status/1251129419588141063)

We’ve also been watching replays of Matildas matches which have been good to interact with people on Twitter in particular during games.”

We closed our discussion by looking ahead to the future – both for the Matildas team and the Matildas Active Support: “For the Matildas it’s a very exciting period. It’s great to see the women getting over to Europe where there is such a high quality of play. It is only going to benefit the girls to be playing week in week out in multiple competitions with the world’s best players. With the recent appointment of our new manager, Tony Gustavsson, there is a real sense of excitement around the squad, with his tactical prowess especially very intriguing. The next few years are looking very promising for our Tillies!”

“In terms of the road ahead for M.A.S., a lot of our attention in the near future is obviously centered around the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We are looking at ways to provide an amazing fan experience to everyone that travels down under and how we can work closely with our friends across the ditch in New Zealand. M.A.S. is also developing projects and plans to improve gender equality in football and cement ourselves as a leading fan voice for the Matildas. It is a big period of change and growth for Matildas Active Support, and one we are extremely excited for.”

The Matildas Active Support can be found on Facebook – @MatildasActive and Twitter – @Matildasactive.

Missed Part One of this feature? Click here to read it: (https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/waltzing-with-the-matildas/)

Spurs Totally Out Gunned

Arsenal 6–1 Tottenham Hotspur

By Ben Gilby

Injury hit Arsenal eased to victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Meadow Park to return to the top of the Barclays F.A. Women’s Super League.

Arsenal’s injury problems were emphasised by them only being able to name three outfield players on the bench – two of whom were just seventeen years-old. Despite this, they swept aside a Spurs side who were all at sea in defence and toothless up front with Alex Morgan still to make her debut.

The Gunners swamped their North London rivals from the very start. It only took them four minutes to take the lead. Katie McCabe’s stunner of a free kick rebounded into the top corner off of the left hand post with Spurs keeper Rebecca Spencer beaten all ends up.

Seconds later, the home side almost doubled their lead when Ria Percival tripped Danielle van der Donk. McCabe’s free kick from a central position about ten yards outside of the ‘D’ was pushed out for a corner by Spencer with the Spurs wall looking less than firm.

With just seven minutes played Arsenal did go 2-0 up with Vivianne Miedema played in down her left and fired past Spencer from an acute angle. The Dutch star became the FAWSL’s all-time leading goal scorer as a result – her fiftieth goal in fifty Super League games.

Above: Vivianne Miedema enjoyed a record breaking afternoon for Arsenal. Photo: @ArsenalWFC

Spurs rallied briefly and finally got on the front foot as Rianna Dean fashioned an opportunity by hitting a shot from outside the box which Manuela Zinsberger tipped over for a corner.

Arsenal’s ruthless start ensured Spurs paid the price for not taking that chance with a third goal flying in after just fifteen minutes. Leah Williamson played a long ball over the Tottenham defence right into the stride of Caitlin Foord. The Australian international held off Anna Filbey with ease to slot home her fourth goal in five games.

Just after the half-hour mark, Beth Mead initiated a dangerous attack down the Arsenal right and cut inside but Kerys Harrop cleared the danger for a corner.

It only took a further four minutes for Miedema to get her second and Arsenal’s fourth of the afternoon when she beat Alanna Kennedy’s attempted challenge to get on the end of another free-kick. It was all too easy, and Spurs were forced to make a double substitution after just thirty-eight minutes in a bid to stem the flood of goals. It did not work.

Caitlin Foord had another chance for her own second goal, but Spencer pushed the Shellharbour born star’s effort wide.

With five minutes of the half remaining, Vivianne Miedema completed her hat-trick. The Dutch superstar laid the ball off to Caitlin Foord. The Australian returned the compliment for Miedema to tap home the fifth goal.

The second half opened with Spurs being given an opportunity to reduce the gap. Zinsberger failed to deal with the ball in and Lucia Marte Leon went down with little or no pressure applied to her. Referee Abigail Byrne pointed to the spot. Rianna Dean stepped up to take the kick but Manuela Zinsberger produced an excellent save to maintain Arsenal’s five goal advantage.

Dean tried to make amends four minutes later when she threaded the ball through to Rosana Ayane on their right. Her effort from an acute angle flew over the bar.

Arsenal replied immediately when Anna Filbey lost possession. Caitlin Foord ran through and her shot needed Rebecca Spencer to make the save.

Foord got the second goal her performance deserved on sixty-four minutes when she finished a great move. Vivianne Miedema popped up down the right and found Beth Mead. The Lionesses star laid a ball across the box to the Australian whose shot came off Spurs’ Ashleigh Neville and wrong footed Rebecca Spencer for 6-0.

Above: It was a frustrating afternoon for Tottenham Hotspur’s Alanna Kennedy. Photo: @SpursWomen

Spurs did have one positive to take from the afternoon when Leon powered a header past Zinsberger from Siri Worm’s corner – the first goal that Tottenham have scored against their North London rivals in a competitive match.

With eight minutes to go, Spurs earned another corner. Worm’s ball in was met by the head of Alanna Kennedy but she couldn’t generate sufficient power to stretch Zinsberger. Four minutes later, the Australian got up high again but put her header wide before leaving the pitch again with a knock.

As the game entered stoppage time, Arsenal brought on 17 year-old Anouk Denton for her FAWSL debut – another example of the quality that the Gunners’ youth set up has – to end a positive afternoon for the club.

This was another comfortable win for Arsenal, sending them to the top of the Barclays F.A. Women’s Super League and with no European football to add to their load this season, Joe Montemurro’s side look well placed to set the pace among the top sides as the campaign develops.

Above: Vivianne Miedema and Caitlin Foord were responsible for five of Arsenal’s goals this afternoon. Photo: @ArsenalWFC

Teams: ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Schnaderbeck, Williamson, Beattie, McCabe, Walti, Gut, van der Donk, Mead, Miedema, Foord.

Substitutes: Williams (GK), Wubben-Moy (used), Mace (used), Denton (used).

Scorers: McCabe 4. Miedema 7, 36, 40. Foord 15, 64.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spencer, Neville, Filbey, Zadorsky, Harrop, Percival, Quinn, Kennedy, Davison, Dean, Addison. Substitutes: Whitehouse (GK), Leon (used), Green, Williams, Worm (used), Ayane (used), Sulola (used).

Scorer: Leon 77.

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

Hammers Own Worst Enemy As United Stay Unbeaten

West Ham United 2–4 Manchester United

By Ben Gilby

Manchester United’s unbeaten start to the Barclays F.A. Super League season continued at Dagenham and Redbridge FC’s Victoria Road ground.

It was, overall another frustrating performance from the Hammers who have now lost their last three FAWSL games and are still searching for their first league win – their solitary point so far coming on the opening day against Tottenham Hotspur.

Matt Beard’s ‘Irons’ were buoyed by the return of Laura Vetterlein, Kate Longhurst and Martha Thomas. Manchester United were hoping to take advantage of the early kick-off to go back to the top of the table, and their boss Casey Stoney make two changes from their 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday as Lotta Okvist and Ella Toone came into the starting eleven.

The Hammers, sporting a pink shirt in aid of Breast Cancer Now, were on the back foot initially as the ball was given away to Tobin Heath. The move progressed and Katie Zelem fired in the first effort of the afternoon but Australian international keeper Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a flying save. Arnold was called into action less than a minute later when she got down low to deny Alessia Russo.

West Ham fashioned their first opportunity on six minutes when Rachel Daly played a ball across to Adriana Leon who ballooned an effort high and wide.

Above: Tobin Heath (left) takes on West Ham’s Laura Vetterlein at Victoria Road this afternoon. Photo: @ManUtdWomen

United came close again when Tobin Heath’s shot was blocked by Hammers captain Gilly Flaherty and ran into path of an offside looking Leah Galton whose shot came off Cecile Redisch and the danger was gone. Heath fired wide shortly afterwards after Leon gave the ball away to the American star, but her effort was wide.

The pressure was rewarded on twenty minutes with the opening goal. Heath was not pressured by the home defence and was free to play a high cross to the back post where Zelem met it and played the ball back giving Alessia Russo the easiest of tap ins.

Russo, one of the stand out players, drove through the midfield and played in Tobin Heath on the right who fired it past Arnold from the right hand side just three minutes later.

West Ham were their own worst enemies; too many loose passes and consistently not closing Heath down quick enough was reflected with those two early goals conceded.

The home side fashioned a rare opportunity with eight minutes of the half left. Great skill from Leon, who nutmegged Zelem and then glided past Amy Turner with excellent footwork down her left saw the Canadian international fire a shot just over.

Buoyed by this move, the Hammers got back into the game. A beautiful out swinging cross from Kenza Dali was met with the head of Matildas star Emily van Egmond who nodded it into the bottom corner of the net out of the reach of Mary Earps.

Sadly for the Hammers, all their hard work in getting back into the game was undone just three minutes later. A superb teasing cross from Galton was met by the head of Russo, who directed her effort across Arnold and into the far corner to restore the Red Devils’ two goal buffer at the break.

The home side’s defending continued to cause concern. After fifty-one minutes, Tobin Heath played in Alessia Russo who, in turn threaded a lovely ball through for Ella Toone but her effort went wide of Mackenzie Arnold’s far post.

Leon responded for West Ham down the left hand side of the box and curled a shot that Mary Earps had to push away for a corner.

Above: Manchester United’s Katie Zelem looks to get past West Ham’s Australian international Emily van Egmond. Photo: @ManUtdWomen

Chances were few and far between after that. United sent a few opportunities wide. For the ‘Irons’, Alisha Lehmann cut in from the left and curled an effort over the bar.

With seven minutes left, West Ham set up a grand stand finish when Rachel Daly turned Lotte Okvist and sent over what looked like a looping cross, but it sailed over Mary Earps and into the net.

Yet again, West Ham conceded shortly after scoring. This time there were four minutes in between. From Lucy Staniforth’s free kick just in from her left, poor marking allowed substitute Christen Press to nod home her first goal in English football.

There is no doubt that Manchester United deserved the win, but West Ham United coach Matt Beard will be tearing his hair out that every time his side got into the game they immediately threw it away.

Teams: WEST HAM UNITED: Arnold, Redisch, Flaherty, Fisk, Vetterlein, Longhurst, van Egmond, Dali, Leon, Thomas, Daly.

Substitutes: Brosnan (GK – not used), Joel, Cho, Grant, Svitkova, Kiernan (not used), Lehmann, Nor (not used).

Scorers: van Egmond 39, Daly 83.

MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, A. Turner, McManus, M. Turner, Okvist, Zelem, Toone, Groenen, Heath, Galton, Russo. Substitutes: Ramsey (GK – not used), Smith (not used), Hanson, Ladd, Staniforth, Press, Ross (not used), Sigsworth (not used).

Scorers: Russo 20, 42. Heath 23, Press 87.

Referee: Ryan Atkin.

Waltzing With The Matildas

Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke in depth to the Matildas Active Support group about their incredible support of Australia’s national women’s team as well as looking more widely at women’s game in Down Under and how they are formulating plans to welcome the world to Australia and New Zealand in 2023 for the next Women’s World Cup. In this first of two parts, we find out how the group was formed, their experiences at the 2019 World Cup and what the 2023 World Cup may have in store.

Matildas Active Support (M.A.S.) came together before the 2019 World Cup when a Facebook group was set up for fans travelling to support Australia in France. It brought together fans from various W-League (Australia’s domestic league) clubs. From here, the M.A.S. then began to create the first inklings of Matildas Active Support with fans from all over Australia coming up with ideas for songs, banners and t-shirts. The Matildas played a couple of friendlies in Sydney and Brisbane in the lead up to the World Cup, allowing Matildas Active Support (MAS) to ‘test the waters’ a bit but it was really in France that the group was born as passionate fans were able to come together and make noise for our team.

As the group stated at the very start, “Matildas Active Support was formed to support the Matildas in an active, positive and inclusive manner, ensuring our women get the vocal support they deserve and providing spaces for fans to connect pre/post-match to enjoy the whole game day experience.” 

I asked the M.A.S. to describe a typical Matildas home game experience for the group: “As with most Aussie sporting events it generally starts at the local pub. We organise a pre-match pub close to the ground which gives us all a chance to relax a bit before the match begins. It’s a good chance for all fans to get together and really hype up for the game. This is usually followed by a march to the stadium where we generally have an allocated active supporters bay behind the goals. We spend the match singing and trying to get the rest of the crowd making noise for the team! We even have had some ex-Matildas come and join us for a song or two! Post match we hang around to support the team as they do their usual meet and greet – the players are so amazing at taking time to meet fans – then it’s back to the pub for more drinks and match debriefs!”

The 2019 World Cup may have been played around 10,000 miles away from Australia, but it was evident the sheer volume (in both number and loudness) of support from the Matildas in France. For the M.A.S. it was a never to be forgotten experience: “How do you put into words the feeling you get being on the other side of the world watching your national women play in a World Cup surrounded by our Aussie football family? It was absolutely surreal. The atmosphere on game day was electric. The Matildas fans would all meet at one of the local pubs for pre-game drinks and banter. We would be chanting and getting hyped for the game ahead, followed by our march to the stadium which was just fantastic – a massive contingent of loud Aussies heading into battle in the stands. It was a truly special experience being in France and it is where really we began. A lot of the M.A.S. community met in France and now we are all such good friends and working towards building the support for the Matildas and the women’s game.”

Above: The M.A.S. in action at a home game for The Matildas played at Parramatta. Photo: Matildas Active Support.

Here in the UK it is not fully appreciated just what a big deal nationally The Matildas are compared to the majority of the European women’s national sides. I asked the M.A.S. to explain just how loved the team are in Australia: “The makeup of the crowd at a Matildas game gives a good demonstration of how special the Matildas are.  You won’t just see children and families, but also retirees, teenagers, young adults and supporters from all sections of Australian society.  The Matildas are Australia’s team. For a few years running the Matildas have been named Australia’s most beloved sporting team in the Benchmark EC Ladder – an independent survey which assesses the emotional connection fans have with their teams – ahead of the national men’s rugby league, rugby union and cricket sides.” That stat alone shows just how important the Matildas are – Rugby League, Cricket and Australian Rules Football hog the newspaper sports pages and TV bulletins, but there is something about this particular women’s football team that see them trump even those sports.

The M.A.S. went onto highlight how the popularity of the Matildas first became so apparent: “It became really clear how special this team is to Aussies in 2017 when the Matildas played Brazil in Sydney, selling out a 15,000 seat stadium (on a weekend where both Rugby League and Australian Rules Football were playing finals) for a FRIENDLY where previously they were playing to much smaller crowds. Australia’s Queen of Women’s Soccer, Ann Odong, nailed it when she said “As Advance Australia Fair rang out with over 15,000 supporters in attendance, it felt like the Westfield Matildas had finally arrived – like women’s football in Australia had finally arrived” (link to https://www.matildas.com.au/news/day-westfield-matildas-finally-arrived). Incidentally 17,000 people turned up a few days later in Newcastle (on a Tuesday night!) to support the women yet again…”

The huge growth in crowds to watch The Matildas has been spurred further by the recent announcement that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. I asked the Matildas Active Support how they responded to the announcement: “There was a lot of cheering, screaming and tears of joy for us. We’re all spread out across the country so at an ungodly hour of the night/morning we all jumped onto a zoom call together and watched the announcement. We were all so nervous and excited and, it must be said, quietly confident that we would get over the line but when it became official we all just got so overwhelmed and there was a sense of “Did that really just happen? Are we hosting the Women’s World Cup?”After that it was a lot of tears and virtual hugging and then straight down to business to start planning.”

Not surprisingly the M.A.S. already have plans afoot to welcome the world of women’s football fans to their nation in three years time: “Prior to the official announcement we had already started working on plans should we win the bid. The week following the announcement we released a fans welcome to Australia/New Zealand on our social media. We have a timeline for what we want to put in place and over the next few years, but I won’t give any spoilers except to say we want to make sure visiting fans have the best Cup ever so get in touch with us!”

Above: Leading the way in fine voice – The Matildas Active Support. Photo: Matildas Active Support.

Next week: The M.A.S. give their opinion of the state of the W-League and how they see the all important next three years going for The Matildas.

Flying Fran Helps Chelsea Despatch City

Chelsea 3-1 Manchester City

By Ben Gilby

Chelsea gained a deserved victory in the battle of two of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League big guns by having too much for Manchester City at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.

The two sides’ respective strength in depth showed with a brief glance of the teamsheets. When players such as Sophie Ingle, Beth England, Guru Reiten, Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Janine Beckie and Rose Lavelle are on the bench you know there’s two seriously powerful teams going head to head.

For City, it was notable that 18 year old Jess Park, who started her footballing journey at York City first FAWSL start.

There was a high intensity opening to the game, within the opening three minutes, Sam Kerr found Erin Cuthbert on the left. The Scot cut inside but her ball to Melanie Leupolz was cleared. Cuthbert regained possession and played a pass towards Pernille Harder, but the danger was cleared.

Manchester City’s response came on five minutes when Chloe Kelly broke through the middle and found Ellen White. Blues skipper Magda Eriksson intercepted, but could only find Kelly who fired a shot over.

Chelsea had the next effort on goal two minutes later when Lucy Bronze gave the ball away to Ji, with the South Korean magician feeding Jonna Andersson. The cross found Fran Kirby who laid a ball back to Leupolz, but the effort went wide of the left hand post. Within five minutes, a delightful build up found Harder unmarked towards just inside the box, but she couldn’t get a shot away.

The home side continued to create with Cuthbert combining well again with Andersson. The Swede’s ball found Harder just inside the ‘D’, but Gemma Bonner deflected her shot out. Maren Mjelde’s corner found its way to Kerr near the back post. Under immense pressure from Bronze, the Matildas star’s half volley went over.

City came close on 24 minutes when Keira Walsh played a pass to Sam Mewis. Holding off Cuthbert, the American hit a curler than cannoned off of the bottom of the left hand post.

As the visitors built a head of steam, Jess Park showed that she was far from intimidated. She offered some great runs and passes that belied her tender age and lack of FAWSL experience.

An error from Keira Walsh allowed Leupolz to win the ball and drive a pass towards Kerr but it was deflected out for a corner which eventually found Erin Cuthbert who drove a shot in which at first viewing looked to have come off the arm of Demi Stokes and a penalty was awarded, although it was Ellen White who was erroneously given the yellow card for handball by Rebecca Welch. Up stepped Maren Mjelde, in her fiftieth FAWSL game, to dispatch the penalty and the champions were in front.

Cuthbert created another chance when she rounded Park and crossed. Walsh smashed it out for a corner which resulted in a playground style goalmouth scramble which City finally cleared. Immediately, Bronze galloped down the pitch and drove an effort wide with White coming fast in at the back post.

In stoppage time, Ji combined well with Harder and got the ball back to play a cross in, but Kerr’s header lacked the power to stretch Ellie Roebuck in the City goal. Chelsea went in ahead at the break which just about reflected the respective amount of chances created in the opening period.

The first opportunity in the second half fell Chelsea’s way. Under immense pressure, Demi Stokes gave possession away to Fran Kirby who in turn found Ji in the middle. Ji played in Sam Kerr with the ball then travelling to Erin Cuthbert, with the Scot’s effort going wide.

Caroline Weir was then robbed by Pernille Harder, who offloaded Cuthbert. She in turn found Kirby whose cross was met by a powerful header from Kerr which went over.

More Chelsea pressure led to another great opportunity. Harder combined with Kirby down the right. Her cross was met with a mis-kick by Kerr.

City were their own worst enemy once more when Bronze dilly-dallied on the ball allowing Cuthbert in, but the Scot’s effort flew over.

Fran Kirby was creating mayhem down the right and it was her cross after 57 minutes, having been played in by Ji that found Kerr in the middle of the box. The Australian side footed the ball home first time for her third goal in four FAWSL games this season.

City responded with a double substitution as Rose Lavelle and Georgia Stanway were introduced. Shortly afterwards, Sam Mewis earned a corner when her cross shot deflected off Millie Bright but the resulting kick was cleared with ease.

The visitors were offered a life-line when Lavelle’s cross came off the back of Millie Bright’s arm on seventy-three minutes and a penalty was awarded. Chloe Kelly, with her idiosyncratic step up routine sent it crashing past Berger and it was 2-1.

Any hope that City had of getting anything from the game was extinguished just six minutes later when Leupolz laid a perfect ball through to Kirby. Ellie Roebuck came rushing out of goal and became stranded outside her area with no hope of getting the ball, allowing Kirby to dispatch the ball into the net expertly.

It could have got worse for the Sky Blues as Ji found Kirby who hit an effort towards goal which Bronze put out for a corner.

As the game moved towards its conclusion, City fashioned one last opportunity when Georgia Stanway was played through and hit an effort which was deflected into the path by Millie Bright into the path of Rose Lavelle who couldn’t finish.

It was a deserved victory for Chelsea who offered far more creativity in attack and solidity in defence than their opponents. Emma Hayes’ side dominated City in the Community Shield and did similarly at Kingsmeadow today. Whilst a win in a league game played in October doesn’t decide anything, it has certainly emphasised the fact that the challengers will find it exceptionally tough to prize Chelsea’s fingers from the FA Women’s Super League trophy.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson, Andersson, Ji, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Kerr, Kirby, Harder. Substitutes: Telford (GK), Thorisdottir, Ingle (used), England (used), Reiten, J. Fleming, Charles (used), C. Fleming.

Scorers: Mjelde (pen) 36, Kerr 57, Kirby 79.

MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Stokes, Bonner, Houghton, Kelly, Park, White, Weir, Bronze, Mewis, Walsh. Substitutes: Bardsley (GK), Taieo (GK), Coombs, Scott (used), Stanway (used), Beckie, Morgan, Lavelle (used), Greenwood.

Scorers: Kelly (pen) 73.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Enough is Enough: In Defence of Sam Kerr

When arguably the greatest women’s football player in the world says she’s come off social media after abuse relating to her goal scoring record, then you really know that things are not right in the world of women’s football. Impetus editor Ben Gilby, an unashamed mega fan of Sam Kerr tells the whole sorry saga.

In the back end of 2019, the English media was raving over Chelsea Women’s signing of Matildas superstar Sam Kerr with column inches and online articles galore about her incredible goal scoring prowess and how she could be about to take the FA Women’s Super League by storm.

Kerr’s debut in January was met with similar media fanfare and pushed expectations wildly high among those who watch women’s football in England. The East Fremantle born 27 year-old linked up well with Beth England in the early games and scored a goal against Arsenal at Meadow Park. Yet the murmurings were starting among a minority of supporters about her goal scoring record.

What was not mentioned was the fact that a) Kerr had just moved 10,000 miles to a new country in the middle of winter and b) she was going backwards and forwards to Australia several times to play for the Matildas in the Olympic Qualifying tournament. She had also been playing virtually non stop over the past couple of years with commitments with clubs in America and her home state side Perth Glory in the W-League.

The lockdown and pre-season period saw Kerr admit that it was the first time she had a proper pre-season preparation for years. The difference was marked – the positioning, support, pace and link-up play for which the Australian was famed for returned in spades but all the media and a minority of supporters could see was missed chances in front of goal. Continued negative comments from BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce and the channel’s pundit, former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis remarks that Kerr’s performance was “painfully bad” were leapt on by Kerr’s knockers as evidence that they had been sold a dud.

Despite Kerr scoring against Manchester United in Chelsea’s FA Super League opener and adding another goal in a great personal performance against Bristol City the following week, the abuse continued to rain down – to the extent that a stream on a supporters group Facebook page had to be taken down after descending into a slanging match between “fans” making less than supportive comments of Kerr and those defending her and pointing out the positives she brings to the Chelsea side. The same period also saw the striker receive abuse on her own social media sites.

Above: Sam Kerr heading for goal on her Chelsea debut against Reading in January. Photo: Ben Gilby

The remainder of this article should come with the following caveat – yes, I am a big fan of Sam’s (#TeamSam20) – she comes from a town just twenty minutes away by car from the Australian branch of my own family. I’ve followed her career since she was a teenager. I well remember the joy of watching Baby Sam – then aged 16 being a creative ball of energy for the Matildas in the 2010 Asia Cup which Australia won.

Kerr has always been far more than a just a goal scorer. It’s only really in the last couple of years that she’s smashed them in for the Matildas. Her partnership with Lisa de Vanna for Australia pre 2019 was one which saw Sam link up well and create chances aplenty. With de Vanna moving out of the Matildas side, Sam’s role changed and the goals came.

The persistent negativity bordering on abuse she has received comes from people who don’t really know her as a player. They just read the newspaper stories when she signed and maybe saw the 2019 World Cup and what she did there. The Sam Kerr we have in the FA Women’s Super League is possibly the most creative, explosive and team minded player there is. On top of that she can score goals. It’s important to remember, she had a good partnership with Beth England last season before lockdown. The pair are yet to start together this season after the Lionesses star’s summer operation.

If you watch Sam in action for The Matildas, she benefits from a slightly different style of play from what Chelsea have had this season so far – we don’t get to see a the explosive pace that Kerr has in running onto through passes that has seen her score so many goals for the Australian national side. There is not quite the same presence as the likes of an Ellie Carpenter, a Chloe Logarzo or an Emily van Egmond that Sam combines so well with in the green and gold. We also haven’t seen her presence in the air as much as you do in the average Matildas game – albeit apart from her first goal for the club at Arsenal. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that Chelsea need to change their game plan to accommodate Kerr. Rather, I’m highlighting the fact that the relationship and understanding she has with Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder – neither of whom she played alongside before September – needs to grow, and with Beth England now fit and well, the old partnership can resume.

There’s no doubt that Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s head coach values and understands what her number 20 brings to the table. More of England’s media and women’s football supporters need to learn to appreciate it – Kerr’s the ultimate team player, not just a goal-scorer.

Shot-Shy Spurs Undone by Unbeaten United

Tottenham Hotspur 0–1 Manchester United

By Ben Gilby

Manchester United continued their strong start to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League season after a relatively straightforward victory at The Hive Stadium this afternoon.

Pre-match interest centred on three stars of the USA’s World Cup winning side, but whereas Manchester United gave first Super League starts to Tobin Heath and Christen Press, Spurs fans were kept waiting at least another week before Alex Morgan donned the white shirt.

Above: Tobin Heath (left) made her first Super League start for Manchester United – here she challenges Spurs’ Ashleigh Neville. Photo: @ManUtdWomen

United started on the front foot with Jackie Groenen playing a great ball into the box from kick off, but Katie Zelem’s header was off target.

Spurs hit back and with less than five minutes played, a sloppy pass towards her own area from Leah Galton, who was playing out of position at left-back, was seized upon by Rosella Ayane who hit an effort narrowly wide. Seconds later Ayane got in another shot which Millie Turner had to block.

Whilst both teams strove to create, too often the final ball was inaccurate.

As the game headed towards the half hour mark, the Red Devils began to assert themselves once more. It was Groenen’s input on the right again that was influential. Her beautifully angled ball found Press in the middle. In turn, the American played in compatriot Tobin Heath who was just outside her on the right and went one-on-one with Spurs keeper Rebecca Spencer, but it was the North-West Londoner who ran out the winner.

Galton then got free down the left and put in a super cross which Spencer did well to get a hand to. Hayley Ladd then spurned a great chance when she couldn’t get sufficient power on a shot which Spencer dealt with comfortably.

Rebecca Spencer produced another great save with five minutes of the half left. Siri Worm conceded a corner on the right, and Tobin Heath’s ball in found Millie Turner who returned the favour to the American. Heath fed Katie Zelem whose fine effort was tipped over by the Spurs stopper who was one of the prime reasons for the score line being goalless at the break.

Spurs remained generally well organised at the back but offered very little up front and there was early second half concern when key midfielder Alanna Kennedy went down with a knock to the ankle after a tackle from Jackie Groenen. After treatment the Matildas star returned to the action, but less than fifteen minutes later she was substituted, although hopes are that this was as a precaution.

Once more it was Casey Stoney’s side that fashioned the opportunities. On fifty-one minutes, Tobin Heath played in a teasing cross with no end result. Shortly afterwards another opportunity slipped by when Millie Turner headed over.

Spencer looked to have saved her team again initially on sixty seven minutes as Alessia Russo drove forward and hit a shot that the diving Spurs keeper pushed out for a corner. However, Tobin Heath played in the resulting flag kick and Millie Turner’s header floated into the net as United finally got the reward that their offensive pressure warranted.

Above: Manchester United celebrate Millie Turner’s winner. Photo: @ManUtdWomen

As the game entered its final stages, Lucy Staniforth hit a free-kick over the bar after coming on as a substitute for United. From their own set piece outside the box, awarded after Ria Percival was shoved in the back by Millie Turner, Siri Worm’s effort for Spurs was wide of the right hand post.

This result sees Manchester United lead the embryonic FA Women’s Super League table ahead of Sunday’s matches and remain unbeaten after four games. As for Tottenham Hotspur, Alex Morgan’s first appearance cannot come soon enough as they are crying out for a finisher right now.

Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spencer, Neville, Godfrey, Zodorsky, Worm, Percival, Kennedy, Green, Addison, Davison, Ayane. Substitutes: Whitehouse (GK – not used), Leon, Harrop (not used), Filbey, Dean, Graham, Quinn, Sulola (not used).

MANCHESTER UNITED: Earps, A.Turner, McManus, M.Turner, Galton, Ladd, Groenen, Zelem, Russo, Heath, Press. Substitutes: Ramsey (GK – not used), Okvist (not used), Staniforth, Hanson, Toone, Ross (not used), Sigsworth (not used), Smith.

Scorers: M. Turner 68.

Referee: Amy Fearn.

Chorley Women: Still Defying The Odds.

Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Chorley Women Chair Janet Mitchell about the Lancashire club whose forty-two year history has their seen a victory over Manchester City and several promotions which has seen the side establish themselves in the fourth tier of the women’s game.

The excellent history of Chorley Women, compiled by Rod and Josie Prescott, reveals that the origins of the present day club can be traced as far back as 1978, when Mr. E. Gardner set up Cumberland Rangers Ladies, and although based around Preston, the club played their matches in Accrington, due to no local pitches being available to them. For season 1980-81, a pitch became available to the ladies in New Longton, so it made sense to re-name the club to New Longton Ladies, a name they would keep for three seasons. With most of the players coming from the Chorley Area, the club again changed its name for 1983-84 and became Chorley Ladies F.C. Following an illustrious career, in which she had won every honour in the Women’s game, Sheila Parker was appointed team captain, and her husband became manager. Chorley-born Sheila had captained the very first England Women’s Team in November 1972, winning a total of 33 caps and is now rightly honoured in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. After a reconstruction of the leagues, Chorley were placed in Division Two of the North-West Women’s Regional Football League. The club’s first ever game in the NWWRFL was against Manchester City Women on Sunday September 3rd 1989, in what was City’s first ever league game, Chorley ran riot winning 11-0, with goals from Michelle Bebbinton (3) Anne Stockdale (2) Sharon Schofield (2) Rosie Nolan (2) Mandy Mercer (1) and a Debbie Kirkman penalty. Chorley now find themselves playing in the F.A. Women’s National League Northern Division One – the fourth tier of the game.

Above: Chorley Women celebrate a goal this season. Photo: John Shirras.

Present chairperson Janet Mitchell reviewed these impressive achievements by emphasising “It’s important to mention that the club has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and no one would have believed a club this size would ever reach the fourth tier of women’s football.  The club has defied the odds for years and we are very proud of that.”

Mitchell identifies several factors in the continuation of the club and their successes: “We have a sound structure and good financial management. The ability to attract good players and management is due to the hard work of the committee, who are all volunteers. We are also very lucky to have a small but very loyal fan base.  The genetics of Chorley FC Women is different to most other clubs at this level, it remains family orientated and it remains a club that cares about the people who are involved in it from the players to the volunteers and the supporters; it has always been and still is a collective effort.”

Along with all clubs over the past seven months or so, it’s been a tough time for Chorley Women since the lockdown period began: “Honestly it’s been very difficult,” said Mitchell. The committee really been stretched keeping up with the demands placed upon us by ever changing guidance. Along with that, the first team have had a management change within the lockdown period & the new management team have worked hard to do everything they can to prepare the players. One of the biggest issues for us is facility hire as some facilities in the area are still not open.  We managed to successfully allow supporters back in during pre-season but weren’t allowed to have them as the season started due to stricter ‘intervention rules’ in the area, this consequently means we don’t make any money on the gate and is a growing concern for the club going forward.”

Above: Chorley Women new signing Natalie Bell, who joined the club from Bolton Wanderers. Photo: John Shirras.

At the present time, after a season and a half being amalgamated with the men’s side, the women’s side became independent once more, as the club chairwoman explained: “Chorley Women FC had always run independently from the men’s club since it was founded. In the summer of the 2019/20 we amalgamated with the men’s club.  Unfortunately, there was a complete relationship breakdown with the Directors last winter & now the clubs are run independently again. We do have a good relationship with the Chorley Supporters Club and a lot of the volunteers at the men’s club.”

A positive relationship for the club is the one they have established with Euxton Villa and Euxton Girls which helps to establish a pathway from girl’s to women’s football in addition to Chorley’s own three women’s teams, two open age women’s teams and an U-18 side. Vital, as Mitchell believes “We firmly believe that the future of the club relies on it’s strength to develop it’s younger players.”

Other than the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak, Chorley face slightly different challenges to the vast majority of other level four clubs, as Janet outlines: “The main challenge for the club is competing financially in the FA Women’s National League.  We have always been self-funded, relying on sponsorship, players paying subs and several fundraisers held over the season in order to sustain the club financially. We are aware that at this level many clubs are not charging subs and increasingly we are made aware that clubs at this level are paying their players.  This is not an option for us as we could not sustain the cost.  A consequence of this is that players often go elsewhere. Having said that, we are lucky to have a small number of very loyal players.”

We then focussed on the new season in the FAWNL Division One North, and I asked Janet her opinions on the quality of the league and Chorley’s aims: “I believe it’s one of the most competitive divisions around, there are a couple of teams who seem to have brought in a lot of new players this season so I am sure they will be expected to succeed. Our focus this season is to sustain and strengthen, we’ve brought younger players up to play first team football so that we have the right mix of youth and experience.”

Despite last year’s Women’s World Cup raising the profile of the sport, the impact was not immediately felt at Chorley. “In terms of interest at our level it hasn’t really filtered through,” Mitchell observed. “Sponsorship has always been difficult at this level; we tend to rely on people and businesses that are linked to the current players or whom have been with us for a while and we have built a relationship with. Our main sponsors Unique Ladies, Windoworld & Howard’s Financial have been with the club for years and we are indebted to them.  

Like all too many clubs, Chorley rely on a vast number of volunteers putting in countless hours to keep the club going. The club chairwoman identified some of the great work being done by the unpaid group at her own club: “There are honestly too many to mention but from a hands-on committee point of view there is Geoff Dawson who was our Secretary for ten years and now our treasurer. Shaun Harrison is our current Secretary – without the two of them the club would simply not function. We are also extremely lucky to have the Prescott Family (who have followed Chorley since the very beginning) and who kindly provide all the club statistics, history and honours. There is literally nothing they don’t know about the club (and women’s football in general!)  Last but not least we have Momma D -she’s our ball girl on training nights & provides our Haribo on match days!”

Our interview finished by looking ahead to the future of the women’s game in general and at Chorley in particular. Janet Mitchell sees positives and negatives ahead: “I see Women’s football in general going from strength to strength as the game is growing at speed which, as a retired female footballer who had very limited opportunities whilst growing up is amazing to see.  However, I do worry that teams like our own will struggle to compete once money is allowed to creep into the game at this level which it undoubtedly is.  You only have to look back over the last few seasons to see that smaller self-funded self-financed clubs at our level have struggled. That’s why we have put so much faith in younger players at the club and are looking to build from within but it won’t be easy for us.  I have seen the game change so much over the past fourteen years mostly for the better but I fear that the women’s game as I know it will be ruined by greed, similar to the men’s at the top level.”